Tag Archives: the shelter

If there’s one thing that I learned via making The Shelter is that a film stays with you for a long time when you’re the director and head producer on it. The flick was released at the end of 2016 and here I am still talking about it!

-The episode of Broken Trust episode I starred in (Home Protection) on Investigation Discovery recently aired! If you missed it like I did, you can also check it out on Direct TV! Was fun to play yet another “mentally unbalanced” character. Compared to writing, producing or directing – acting is a holiday for me 🙂

Last but certainly not least the action short that I wrote The Proposal just wrapped today! It stars actor/martial artist Marc Natoli (who also produced) and actress Kahli Williams, is directed by Ben Whimpey while Antonio Raiola was lead producer. Find out more about the film HERE! We got a big announcement in our back pocket in terms of the film’s first screening, so stay tuned! You’re not done hearing about The Proposal! That’s it for now, back to work!

I sat down with Gremlins Strike Back Film Podcast for a career retrospective (which was odd, cause I am just getting started), give it a listen below (starts at 2:48).

It’s definitely one of the more thorough talk I’ve ever had in terms of my career thus far. From Arrow in the Head to The Shelter to my next film Heretic. Thanks for the chat Maarten Melon – looking forward to them beers next time I’m in Belgium!

My directorial debut starring Michael Pare which the L.A. TIMES called “remarkably ambitious” and “a concise genre piece that doubles as a heavily metaphorical character sketch”, had previously been released on DVD and VOD in the United States, and was also sold in various countries around the world.

Since The Shelter’s domestic release, we’ve done all that we could in terms of the classic route of finding distribution internationally. And although we did have some success (Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Netherlands, South Africa, Sweden South East Asia, Canada) we’ve come to the conclusion that the best move to make at this final stage is to end on this different avenue.

I’m happy that everybody will finally be able to watch this unique, odd and very personal film. And for me, this marks the end of my 4 years journey with this picture. So there’s something to celebrate and be proud of right there! Thanks to all who have supported me and the film over the years!

It has been a very rewarding experience, one that changed who I am and that re-sparked and enriched by spirituality. I’m a better man and filmmaker for it and will bring all of that into my next film HERETIC. Peace and God bless! John

“Can almost be labeled as a faith-based thriller. But with the subjects of infidelity, alcoholism, suicide coupled with open sex scenes, violence, and touches of horror, this unusual mix with its strength in faith delivers a taboo of sorts to a non-secular audience. ” – The Movie Guys

With Christmas upon us, and this being most likely my last The Shelter related piece on this Blog (locking some outstanding territories aside, the adventure is pretty much done), I figured this was an ideal time to address the Christianity inspired elements of the picture.

Much of the self-loathing, anger and selfishness that I had in my 20’s tagged with my Catholic upbringing and my rocky relationship with it back then went into the writing of The Shelter. That is why it is such a personal film for me. Although I have since conquered those demons and I am now in a place of peace, I re-visited that time frame to pen the film.

Now the movie was marketed to the horror crowd for the most part upon its release, with good reasons. It’s a bleak ride and the genre elements are there, and yes, many have gotten something out of it no matter their beliefs (except for the random person who felt preached to – you do a film about demons, all good, you explore the flip side – you’re preaching – go figure).

But I do think that people of Faith should see it too, even those who don’t normally like genre films (it’s now free on Amazon Prime) hence the main reason that I am writing this blog entry. Granted the movie is rough in places and it’s definitely not a “family movie” (don’t show the kids), but I think if you’re Christian, you should give it a try as its themes and its message should resonate with you. To give you an idea The Shelter is akin to Book of Job from the Old Testament. That was one parallel that I was going for (you can learn more background on the ins and outs of the film via the Audio Commentary on the DVD).

In closing, I’ve recently come the realization that The Shelter was basically my “message in a bottle” to the world. My intent was to move, stimulate and make the viewer think and I was so blessed to have Michael Pare in the lead to help me convey that. To be honest, the most rewarding reaction that came out of making the film has been the people that reached out to me after seeing it in person or online to let me know how it moved them or urged them to look at themselves, look at their Faith or at their past mistakes. It touched me that the film touched others. All I needed.

Here are some quotes from some of The Shelter reviews that tapped into the Christianity laced meat of the film. Click the links to read the reviews! And if you do wind up seeing it because of this Blog entry, I truly hope that it stirs you one way or another. And if you hate it, that is okay too. Merry Christmas!

“Like Book of Job from the bible, Thomas is tested through supernatural signs that lead him to an emotional place in his heart he’s learnt to hide from. It’s an uncomfortable watch as real become unreal, but because it’s what Thomas desires he goes with the flow. And then the faucet of all that he wanted is turned off. ” – Britflick

“The Shelter swirls Christianity and Silent Hill-levels of guilt to torment its protagonist, and Fallon’s strong visual style combines with a very strong turn from Pare to good effect.” – Sci Fi Now

“The neon lights become the power of Christ and his need to beg forgiveness jostles with memories that aren’t allowed to fade.” – Starbust Magazine

“There are a lot of religious references, as well as dreamy sequences bathed in light, where we are not quite sure whether to believe what we are seeing, or if it is merely a product of Thomas’ mind.” – Movieramblings
“The beauty of Fallon’s cinematic Lament Configuration is that through extensive use of religious iconography and flashbacks that offer suggestions as to how Thomas found himself in this predicament, there are multiple conclusions that the viewer may come to, and with Fallon wisely refusing to offer his own explanation of the film’s meaning it enables the viewer to take their own unique experience with them.” – This is Horror

“Filled to the rafters with religious iconography; statues of Jesus Christ, copies of the Bible and crucifixes of ever schism, are littered everywhere you care to look. The talismans represent Thomas’ need forgiveness, but he’s a stubborn man.” – The Hollywood News

“Blending elements of spirituality, horror and redemption within the faith based storytelling, you see a very complete film in THE SHELTER.” – Tom Holland Terror Time.

“God’s not explicitly mentioned, but even a lapsed Catholic or staunch atheist will get the feeling going into the final act and after the credits roll that someone, not of this world, can and will put you out of your misery… if you’ve given up.” – Britflick

Hey all, even though directing is my main passion at the moment, getting a film off the ground takes the time that it takes. Hence I am not abandoning acting by any means. I’ll always have a soft spot for it and kicking onscreen ass! I recently revamped my acting/stunt reel for the new year, give it a whirl below! Hope life is finding you all well! God bless! JF

After its theatrical, VOD and DVD release, my directorial debut THE SHELTER, starring Michael Paré (Eddie and the Cruisers, Streets of Fire) is now be available (in the USA) on RedBox TODAY (February 7, 2017)!

I gotta say it; I’m really happy that The Shelter is getting a wider reach in North America via Redbox, with the main reason being (and I know this is gonna sound f-ing pretentious) that I had “something to say” with the film in terms of the human condition. Again, the most rewarding aspect of having made this movie thus far has been the people who have contacted me to let me know how after watching it they entered a state of self-reflection…

In related news; the film will be shopped at the upcoming EFM (European Film Market) in Berlin starting February 9. For distribution queries or to set up a meeting at said market, E-MAIL Uncork’d Entertainment HERE!

Hey all! I am proud to be sponsoring a BOXING GALA (streamlined by renowned Boxing coach Daniel Guerin) that will take place on February 11, 2017 (7:30PM) at Billings, High School in Chateauguay (210 MCLEOD, Châteauguay, QC J6J 2H4). I will of course be there in person.

The purpose of the show (with over 7 exhibition fights already locked in) is to showcase to young people (hence why the event is set within a High School) that Boxing is a positive path to take in terms of one’s life as it builds discipline, self esteem, encourages healthy eating habits and reaching top notch physical condition. And it’s also a fun and exciting sport to be a part of.

You can also expect CONTESTS to take place during the event with cool prizes, like a pair of Boxing gloves autographed by former IBF middleweight Champion DAVID LEMIEUX and Boxing Brand RIVAL t-shirts, among other things. The tickets for the events are 15$ in advance and 20$ at the door. You want to attend, E-MAIL ME. If you want to donate some coin to help us finance the event please do so via the BOXING GALA PAYPAL (boxinggala@hotmail.com). Anybody that donates 12$ or more will get an autographed THE SHELTER Postcard (see it below) from yours truly sent your way by mail as a THANK YOU.

In closing; in my opinion, events like these are important. They can actually make a dent (no matter how small) in terms of guiding the next generation in the right direction and providing them with the “tools” to make a the world a better place down the road. Last I checked we freaking need it which is why I am involved in this and investing my coin. Cheers to you all and God bless! JF

Am I now back from Los Angeles where we had THE SHELTER premiere (peep the QNA video below or here) and yes, that event and the film’s domestic release on VOD have definitely acted as a “victory point” for the film and for me personally. It’s finally out there after a two-year battle to get it done. Phew! On that, for me the fight is not over. Still got to sell the film foreign, still have to make my money back and want to broaden the film’s reach in terms of the type of audience that I think should see the movie, but more on that down the road.

A lot has come out of The Shelter’s release. I’ve never been interviewed this much in my life (Thanks Clint Morris for your hustle), the film got a slew of solid reviews (and yes the LA Times one was a highlight for me), The Academy of Motion Pictures (Oscar baby) put the script in their library, I’m starting to get known outside of the horror niche and personally the most rewarding thing of all is the folks that have expressed to me how much the film moved them or/and made them think. That was the point of that one, hence mission accomplished.

Having some laughs with my leading man Michael Pare!

I want to take a moment and thank some of the key people behind the picture. Thank you to Producer Donny Broussard who came in early on the project, hustled with me through the hurdles and busted his ass to get me all that I needed to shoot this puppy. Couldn’t have done without you! Thank you Bobby Holbrook (and the Holbrook Multi Media team), who gave me all that he had during production and then stayed with me in the trenches during the baffling “technical-warfare” laced process that was Post Production. We went through some serious (and un-explainable) obstacles and one mammoth let down but Bobby fought with me till the bitter end.

Also a big thank you to Executive Producer and hombre Berge Garabedian for believing in the film and being my rock throughout this emotional roller coaster ride, always kicking me in the ass when I started to feel defeated. And of course a huge thanks to star Michael Pare who took a chance on a first time director and went all out for the movie. Every positive review in terms of his performance is MUCHO deserved. I couldn’t go on without thanking my pal Writer/Director/Author/Great cook Eric Red (who gave me solid tips during Pre and Post) and his wonderful wife Meredith Red. Both of them had my back throughout this journey and it was much esteemed. PS: Shout out to my amazing cast and crew! The crew was a well-oiled machine, my cast rose to the task, no way this would have happened with lesser talented people, specially taking into account the short production time we had. Pat yourselves on the back!

Writer/Director Eric Red and Michael Pare. Yes, I photobombed 😉

I’ve learned and changed a lot in the last 2 years. This undertaking acted as tough love Producer school, my persistence never got this tested before ever and I am proud to have pulled through, I loved every second of directing and am in love with the process, I grew spiritually and as a man; learning to forgive, to be humble, to not let the haters affect me, to react to obstacles in a rational fashion and to find the positive in the low blows instead of becoming cynical – cause yeah, this business will do that you, turn you into a bitter f*ck… if you let it, and I did for a while, but I have since evolved.

The Shelter’s release has acted as a first firm step on a new professional path, one that I am eager to explore and exceed in. New doors are opening, new film projects are shaping up and I am grateful for that. Thanks to all of you that have supported me and are still supporting me in my endeavors, I honestly could not have done it without you. Every positive e-mail, PM, tweet etc. fuels me to keep on going! Much love and God Bless! John

Hey people! I was recently interviewed twice, talking about THE SHELTER, screenwriting and my future film projects. Excepts and links below! It should also be said that with THE SHELTER’s domestic release around the corner, you can expect to hear me yapping some more in the near future 🙂 As always, thank you all for the continuous support.

Horrorfuel: “The film wouldn’t be as good without Mike (Pare). I feel very blessed to have had him play the lead. He’s a monster actor. So much talent. I am very happy that reviews so far have pointed out his performance as one of the best of his career. He fucking earned it.” – READ THE ENTIRE INTERVIEW HERE

Menegetti’s Script Development Blog: “Getting a film off the ground is very hard and time consuming. It’s lots of work and it can take a very long time. So if I’m going to invest years of my life into trying to make a movie happen – I have to respond to it on an emotional level as much as I do on a commercial level. I have to love the shit out of it.” – READ THE ENTIRE INTERVIEW HERE